Third Annual NH Fish & Lobster Festival, September 24

It’s time for the Third Annual NH Fish & Lobster Festival, coming Saturday, September 24th, to Prescott Park in Portsmouth, NH — walk the decks of a local fishing boat, taste freshly-landed local seafood prepared by Seacoast chefs, learn to identify and prepare local fish, watch an on-location Seafood Throwdown cook-off competition, investigate the Gulf of Maine ecosystem, sing a song and hear a tale or two.

Along the historic waterfront in Prescott Park, right beside the NH commercial fishing pier, it’s a great event for all ages with games, live music, demos, foul-weather gear, a fish relay race, trap building, fish printing, touch tanks, and so much more. Watch our very own FISHTIVAL VIDEO!

Why we love it! Otherwise known as the “Fishtival,” this unique and highly interactive event draws thousands of visitors each year to celebrate 18 miles and 400 years of NH fishing communities and traditions.

New! This event was launched in 2009 in response to new challenges in fishing industry.

Fun!Activities, music, games!

Delicious! Modestly-priced samples of the local catch prepared by talented local chefs allow everyone to try something new!

Inclusive! We encourage everyone in our community to attend, taste and participate.

Collaborative! Nearly 50 community non-profits, businesses and schools are represented, reflective of the nature of our region and its interest in this shared resource.

Informative! Learn about seafood preparation, fishing heritage and contemporary practices, and more.
Connective! We connect our community and our small-boat fleet-meet fishermen, take boat tours, learn more in the speaker’s tent, etc.

Inspirational! A rich day reflective of the richness of our community.

This celebration has the support of the City of Portsmouth and NH Division of Ports and Harbors, along with several leading food organizations, businesses, non-profits and community leaders — many of whom are actively supporting this exciting event. The generous support of Smuttynose Brewing Company makes this event accessible to our whole community. Seed funding to support boat tours and wayfinding, has been provided by UNH Sea Grant.

Our Mission

Seacoast Eat Local connects people with sources of locally grown foods and advocates eating locally for the health of our environment, community, culture and economy. Through advocacy, organizing and education, we work toward a sustainable local food system that meets the needs of both producers and consumers.